Patricia Romero, CPA

• Spearheaded transformation of accounting process from manual, paper-dependent system to paperless, iCloud-based automated process, resulting in increased efficiency and accuracy in financial reporting.
• Implemented robust data collection and safeguarding controls that were previously unreliable, ensuring integrity and security of financial information and enhancing overall data accuracy.
• Prepared quarterly and monthly sales tax returns for diverse industries and multiple states, ensuring compliance with tax regulations and accurate financial reporting.
• Revamped payroll process to less manual-intensive and more efficient system, significantly reducing opportunities for errors and enhancing overall accuracy in payroll management.
• Implemented new bookkeeping and tax software systems that seamlessly interfaced and were iCloud-based, enabling outsourced employees to access data efficiently and effectively, enhancing collaboration and streamlining workflow processes.
• Ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements by staying current on industry developments and implementing necessary controls within the organization.
• Developed and implemented a streamlined process for business license renewals, effectively eliminating risk of non-compliance and providing clients with reassurance as they transitioned to new system, ensuring smooth and compliant operations.
• Oversaw preparation and submission of all tax filings (1120, 1120S, 1065, Schedule C and individual tax returns), mitigating potential risks associated with noncompliance.
• Mentored finance team members, fostering a culture of professional growth and skill development within department.
• Drove revenue growth by developing pricing strategies that maximized both sales volume and profitability.
• Negotiated favorable terms with vendors and suppliers, achieving significant savings on procurement expenses.
• Improved customer satisfaction with exceptional project management skills and timely delivery of products and services.
• Developed strategic partnerships with key industry players to enhance brand visibility and credibility.

• Supported the financial accounting and reporting for 3 registered broker dealers in accordance with SEC and FINRA established guidelines.
• Led accounting and reporting for cash while collaborating with key business partners including regulatory compliance, external banking institutions, treasury, and outsourced employees to ensure accurate transaction reporting and adequate funding.
• Trained and supervised outsourced employees.
• Assisted in the preparation of the quarterly GAAP financial results and analysis package to convey financial performance in preparation for the quarterly earnings conference calls.
• Analyzed trends and variances within the various lines of the balance sheet and income statements collaborating with Actuarial, Operations and Planning & Analysis.
• Supported quarterly/annual audits by both internal and external auditors.
• Prepared quarterly competitor analysis package and researched key business drivers and related business impact.

Managed monthly financial reporting process of centralized functions for North and Central America group companies; including legal entity reporting and inter-company elimination process.

• Co-led planning and coordination of Financial Statement Review Meeting and presented BASF North America’s financial results to BASF’s global partners.
• Performed financial analysis to identify unusual trends and resolve accounting discrepancies.
• Led, designed and monitored implementation of kPI's for Shared Service Center to streamline processes for 40+ legal entities resulted in higher success ratio by 10%.
• Trained Shared Service Center staff and supervised month end close process, such as journal entries, account analysis, accounting and reporting issues and operating system issue resolutions.
• Led preparation and filing of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and other statutory filing requirements; including final review with senior management, coordination with cross line of business teams and collaboration with external auditors.
• Project Lead for GSTAR Global Project which automated footnote reporting.
• Central point of contact to Business Controllers, local accounting teams and Global Leadership and assisted with application of BASF’s accounting policy with respect to cost center reporting issues.
• Conducted technical accounting research on IFRS and BASF Guidelines to ensure reporting compliance with appropriate standards.
• Reviewed financials of divestiture business in Polioles Joint Venture and identified errors in its financial statement footnotes and drove appropriate actions.

• Managed audit engagements, including development of audit strategies, coordination of cross line of service teams, staffing and managing client expectations.
• Planned and executed audit procedures in accordance with PCAOB standards for various clients, produced comprehensive fieldwork results, and advised management on progress and issues.
• Created plans for developing efficiencies in early audit stages and monitored progress against set targets.
• Reviewed and analyzed financial statements, including financial statement disclosures, to ensure they were in accordance with GAAP and client reporting frameworks.
• Led 10-K and 10-Q financial statement and footnote tie-out to successfully ensure completeness and accuracy over 20 individual footnotes and financial statements.
• Conducted technical accounting research; wrote and reviewed accounting memos.
• Developed budget for individual audit areas and monitored actual time and expenses incurred against budget throughout audit and brainstormed ways to improve audit efficiency.
• Lead implementation of Japanese SOX on a consulting project.
• Supervised up to six staff auditors. Recognized by PwC with Coach of the Quarter and Work Life Balance nominations.
• Improved teams’ quality of work by delegating effectively, performing thorough technical reviews and providing constructive and timely feedback and formal appraisals.